Breaking News: Maria Shriver endorses Barack Obama

In a dramatic moment at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, California First Lady Maria Shriver just strode out onto a stage that had already seen its share of celebrities -- Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder among them -- and announced that she was joining the Kennedy half of the family backing Barack Obama, reports our colleague Mark Z. Barabak, who is there.

More details will be posted shortly and in tomorrow's print edition, but Shriver reportedly was waiting backstage wavering over whether she should make her support public, and then finally strode out on stage. Her husband, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, earlier this week announced his endorsement for Sen. John McCain.

The Kennedy family has split over the two top Democratic contenders, with Ted Kennedy joined by Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg -- daughter of his brother John F. Kennedy -- and his son, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, all going with Obama. Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, also went with the Illinois senator.

But Hillary Rodham Clinton picked up the support of three of Robert and Ethel's children -- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Kerry Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

UPDATE: Shriver told the crowded gym that she had not intended to be at the rally, and had come straight over after going horse riding with her daughter. She joked about her appearance -- riding clothes, sans makeup and without having her hair done -- as she added her pitch for Obama.

"If Barack Obama was a state he'd be California," Shriver said, drawing roars from the crowd. "I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, oppose tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader."

And she touched on the (see more of the blog post below the jump)...

For those of you who missed the C-SPAN coverage, it's here:

themes of optimism and collective action that Obama has sought to build his campaign around.

"He's not about himself. He's about the power of us and what we can do if we come together," Shriver said. "He is about empowering women, African Americans, Latinos, old people, young people. He's about empowering all of us."

Shriver, a former network television journalist, also acknowledged some uncertainty over taking such a public stand. "Sometimes, when you follow your own truth and your own voice, it's scary," she said. "But that's all you can do."

Shriver was on stage with Schlossberg, Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Shriver said she made the decision this morning. "I wasn't on the schedule," she said, "and I thought to myself when I woke up this morning, I thought, there's no other place I should be than right here."

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[Michael's Mom]

Yeeeeeaaaaaarrrrrrrrgh! Or something like that.

[Miss H]

Great news! Excellent choice Maria.

Join the Movement, Obama for President
Obama '08

[Claudio Villanueva]

I'm glad to hear that Maria has joined in endorsing Obama. I heard her talk and she was inspiring, she understands the urgency of this election. She made it clear that California will be united in our support for Obama.

[Rachel]

Don't forget that Obama also picked up Rory Kennedy's endorsement!

Yes we can!!

[Jennifer Moreno]

Pleasant surprise

[crenza]

This was a wonderful "California" moment! Maria Shriver's speech was as inspiring as those who proceeded her at the podium!

[donna jackson]

Go Maria: you are your own person! That took guts!!!! I'm proud

[carol Wandrey]

Rory Kennedy (daughter of Ethel & Bobby) has also endorsed Obama. Her opinion appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle on February 2.

[Franklin]

WOW, Maria Shriver !!!! The First Lady of California. Who would thought about this on a superbowl weekend? Well, good news that will circulate all along California, Arizona and Many other super Tuesday States: I Think it's time for Obama to be photo-op and make ads like the Caroline Kennedy's one, featuring all these icons' endorsements.

The truth is he has proven and convinced (better than Hillary Clinton) that he can be the best leader for America, that why he picks the support.
"A President Like My Father..." GO OBAMA 08'

[Lauren Eisebaum]

Glad to see one more person get off the fence in favor of Obama. You need look no further than the Hillary campaign's push poll tactics here in California to see that while a vote for her might break new ground by putting her (and Bill) back in the White House, it won't bring much in terms of real change to this country. I love that Obama and his campaign don't talk down to voters (the underlying assumption of a push poll is that you won't catch on to the fact that you are being manipulated and participating in a fake survey ... i.e. that you are dumb). I'm hoping California independents won't fall for Clinton's dirty play.

[Toni]

I am extremely appalled at the manner in which Michelle Obama did not apologize to Stevie Wonder's fall on the stage. It just clearly show her political opportunism and further added by the indifference of Caroline Kennedy and Oprah during the incident. Michelle Obama preferred to smile at the camera than to guide Stevie Wonder as they went up the stairs.

I did not hear any concrete programs from Michelle Obama that her husband promises to carry, instead she want on ranting on narrative rhetoric. Maria Shriver's endorsement was a clear indication that the cogs and wheels of Obama's campaign machinery solely belongs to the Kennedy-Winfrey alliance.

[David Batterson]

Maria Shriver's decision was totally unexpected but so welcome as was Stevie Wonder's appearance. She and millions more know we've been waiting 40 years for the dream to come alive again. It's here, and we have to make it reality this time. GO OBAMA!

[Jim Bullis]

What an opportunity for bipartisan action?!! Unified leaders are critically needed to start a national effort to stop global warming, regain control of energy supplies, and give American industry a viable product in both home and world markets.

Leadership could be demonstrated by support for a combination plan for solving climate change and oil dependency problems, with an economic stimulus package that is shown at Link.

This plan is far less expensive than solar panel solutions, though it does not exclude benefits of such.

It is much more acceptable than ethanol production plans that take cropland out of food production. It is much less expensive as well. However, it could make cellulose based ethanol a reasonable fuel choice.

It requires government encouragement of innovative thinking on the part of the public.

It would apply the full power of market forces.

(I have an interest in Miastrada, as well as an interest in the future.)

Jim Bullis

[Jen]

I was moved to tears by these incredible women, role models all of them for women everywhere. This was a great moment for me, my daughters and all of America's daughters. Women going into the polls will be compelled to vote their conscience and their hope for our children's future. Resoundingly their vote will be for Barack Obama.

[Mike]

Go Maria. Well, like Oprah said today in her speech in response to those who asked "...how dare she (Oprah) endorse Barack Obama?" ... Oprah said
"I'm a free woman." SO IS MARIA, a free woman. We are all free-er with Barack Obama as President...YES. WE.ARE.

[Rose]

This rally was so great! Michelle is an inspiration to us all and if she supports Obama, than so do I! Maria, was wonderful, off the cuff and real. This is what America needs more of, truth, honesty and inspiration!

[RA Kruger]

To Michael's Mom: I think you spell it "yea!"

[tucanofulano]

No wonder California is in such a mess. How is the Gov. expected to be anything when he doesn't even run his own household.? Now each of them has endorsed a Democrat, but in different political parties.

[Billy]

Posters like Toni are such obvious Hiillarymaniacs they can't see the forest through tthe trees.

My wife and I were Clinton fans until their true colors showed in the last two weeks with lies, push polls, distortions - anythihg to win.

Who wins with that kind of crap? John McCain that's who.

Obama is the most electable and the truest public servant

[shirlin]

This story has me in tears. Ms Shriver's courage is truly amazing. And what she has to say about California and Senator Obama is all profoundly correct. Think of Bill Clinton attacking Ted Kennedy and identifying him with Pres. Bush on the No Child Left Behind bill, which Hillary herself had supported. In the face of such sleaze and smear, mean tactics, Ms. Shriver's brave and clear words can only move us citizens deeply.

[Jon S]

I'm endorsing Senator Hillary Clinton! We need a real leader!

[Sharon]

Toni -
How do you know what she said to him? I'm appalled that you would jump to the conclusion that she didn't. His assistant was standing right next to him, someone who is accustomed to assisting him. She didn't trip him, he fell up the step. Its obvious you are looking for a reason to gripe. If you looked at the last debate it was quite substantive. Bill never speaks of Hill's plans either. You don't have to vote for him but let it be over something that isn't so petty.

[Bernard Ukpu]

As much as we welcome all the endorsements of Obama, the endorsements will only matter if all of us who believe in the Obama vision get our butts up and vote on Tuesday and help move the greatest country on earth to a new height.

[Samson Lim]

VOTERS BE WARNED: DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING WHAT YOU READ OR HEAR ESPECIALLY THE SUPER TUESDAY IS ON THE HORIZON - THERE IS A LOT OF MEDIA MANIPULATION, NEGATIVE ADS WILL BE COMING OUT. VOTERS YOU ARE THE DECIDING FACTOR - DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU. DON'T BELIEVE ON POLLSTERS, PUNDITS, MEDIA, UNION, POLITICIAN AND CELEBRITY ENDORSERS - REGARDLESS IF SHE IS OPRAH WINFREY! ITS IN YOUR HAND NOW FOR YOU TO MAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION WHAT DIRECTION YOU WANT OUR COUNTRY TO LEAD. THIS IS THE CRITICAL MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF UNITED STATE OF AMERICA THAT WE SHOULD VOTE WISELY AND PRUDENTLY FOR WE CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER MISTAKE IN ELECTING A WRONG PRESIDENT "NOR" CANNOT AFFORD AN ON THE JOB TRAINING PRESIDENT TO RUN THE COUNTRY AT THE RATE OUR COUNTRY PROBLEMS: ECONOMY, WAR IN IRAQ, IMMIGRATION AND SO ON... ELECT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON WHO YOU THINK WILL LEAD OUR COUNTRY THE RIGHT DIRECTION ON DAY ONE! PLEASE NOTE BEAUTIFUL SPEECHES AND RHETORIC - IT IS NOT ENOUGH! WE NEED A TESTED LEADER WHO IS SMART AND HAS EXPERIENCE.
God Bless America!

[maria]

YESSSSS GREAT NEWSS CALIFORNIA FOR OBAMA 08

[Dee4Obama]

RIGHT ON! We are for politics of HOPE, not fear. Clintons peddle fear. They love the "game" of politics because they are good at the "sport". The Obamas are in it to SERVE our country (and thus the world). Huge difference!

Obama and supporters see the BIG PICTURE ... the need to UNITE and work together for the good of all. Reminds me of the "Governing Law of Dynamics" - remember that? (A Beautiful Mind)

I am moved to tears - have not seen this kind of hope since JFK.

BA-RACK THE VOTE !

[maria]

lol Toni it must be a sad day for you !!!!

Obama 08

[Matt]

Everyone on this blog site supports Obama so I should too. NOT!

Oh wait, I don't want to just follow what everyone else is doing. I want to make my own decision, a decision that's based on who will be the most qualified democrat to go up against mccain and win the white house.

Go Hillary!

[Stephanie]

Toni,

We saw things differently. Michelle did apologize to Stevie Wonder and ask if he was ok only she did it as she was helping him up and away from the microphone. There was no reason for her to make a big production of the apology, it was an accident.

[Brain and sue]

Wow!!!! Borack is on fire. I tell you my husnad is supporting McCain and I was supporting Hillary but after I read an article that just came out, I will now support Borack Obama. Please look at the article by AP news. I really though Hillary health care was gong to be good. Eventhough she neve explained how she going to do it or what type of mandate she going to enforce. Well the truth is finally coming out. I hope all women find this information helpfull and now will be able to choose a canditate like Borack Obama. Hillary, you lost my vote. I dont liek you dis-honesty. Heres part of the article from AP news..you can go to the Washington post and read the complet article

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to have workers' wages garnisheed if they refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans.

Shame on you Hillary

[Kas79]

I HOPE LA TIMES PUTS THE PUSH POLL S TACTICS ON ITS FRONT PAGE TOMMOROW MORNING. AND OBVIOUSLY THE SHRIVER ENDORSEMENT

[Get a Clue]

Good Lord, are all the Kennedys drinking happy juice?

Obama is Happy Juice shallow. So yes, that makes him California...Hollywood, California.

The guy answers "Present" instead of "YES" or "NO" when voting.

Where is the substance? Where is the Substance?! And why is media giving him a free ride?

Wake up voters. Pay attention to the type of coverage we're not getting.

[but can they discuss the candidates positions???]

Oprah, Shriver, Michelle Obama, and Caroline Kennedy... what do they say other than the continuation of Barack's empty speeches and injecting race into this primary? They don't explain why his policies, which he follows Hillary Clinton's lead on, are better than Hillary's. I didn't have hope yesterday and the hype of hope is not going to help the economy; it will not save my home; it will not provide me with health insurance; and it does not provide for the security of our nation. Hillary also delivers hope but she backs it with proven results. So he opposed the war and he says this shows sound judgement, but with Rezko he didn't show good judgement. He opposed the war but he said in 2004 that if he actually had been put in the position to vote on it, then he didn't know how he would vote. Remember, he was not a senator at the time the resolution to authorize the use of force was voted on. His argument that he can win a debate with McCain on the war is to say he opposed it is ridiculous because the Republicans will portray his as weak on national security. Obama is not the answer. Talking about hope is not the same as delivering proven results. The choice for president is clear: Hillary Clinton is the best person to handle the economy, end the war; provide universal health care, save people's homes, and be tough on national security issues.

[nate roth]

Toni - are you nuts?

Clearly, Michelle Obama fell down too - twice - and helped Stevie each time - and he is no lightweight ...

Get over yourself!

[LAShores]

I find it so interesting when people say... "I don't hear specifics on how to challenge the problem" Do you honestly expect any candidate to give you a 400 page economic stimulus report that is co-authored by Warren Buffet, Jack Welch, and Allan Greenspan. I mean give me a break! These people have a very limited amount of time to connect and they have to discuss topics in a general nature in order to keep your attention.

[Myisha McSwine]

This is great! Congratulations Barack, this one's for you.

[Karen S]

Maria’s right, this is “a moment” for us all– a time in history when we can believe again in the American dream, transcend the partisan divide, and restore our image around the world. Obama has the judgment, wisdom, character and yes, experience to unite the country and address the challenges we face.

Liberals and conservatives, young and old, women and men, students and professionals, black, latino, asian, native american and white-- we're all coming together to elect a leader who inspires us to be a better nation.

Yes we can!

[Bobby]

"Michelle Obama did not apologize to Stevie Wonder's fall on the stage."

Um, Toni....

How does one apologize TO a fall? Explain.

[Mark F]

"Shriver told the crowded gym that she had not intended to be at the rally, and had come straight over after going horse riding with her daughter. She joked about her appearance -- riding clothes, sans makeup and without having her hair done -- as she added her pitch for Obama."

I don't think she needed to apologize. She looks better than I've ever seen her, and what she did today was positively beautiful.

[Dimitrios Bloomfield Hills Michigan]

Bravo Maria Your Still A Democrat

[Jen]

Toni:

Wonder's fall was an accident. Michelle was helping but she was not strong enough to ensure Wonder did not fall. There was a strong man beside Wonder and I think it was this man's responsibility to ensure the safety of Wonder. So, I think you might be too critical of Michelle.

We can be more understanding to each other and focus on the big issues. I was inspired by the rally. I hope you were so as well. I believe the country would be better with the leadership, wisdom, and decency of Obama.

[Laylah]

I was there, and it was really exciting. I was wondering when or if Maria Shriver would endorse anyone, and was thinking about it while I was getting ready to go over there this morning. She was the secret, surprise, and the crowd went crazy. It was really a monumental event, and I'm so glad that I went. The heavy rain stopped just in time, and the sun was actually shining when we got out. I think the endorsement will really get baby boomer women to move to Obama. Maria Shriver is very influential in California. She had a lot to do with her husband's victories, and can do it again for Obama.

[Maria]

I love the way Michelle Obama did not bring attention to the fall on the stairs with Stevie Wonder. Clearly she did not want to embarrass him and choose to play it down so as not to assume how he would feel about it . She waited thoughtfully to let him speak of it if he felt he wanted to. She is gracious.

Michelle Obama's speech was one of the most riveting and powerful I have heard on the campaign trail. She gave us the information that Barack is not able to give us because he rarely starts a sentence with I. She told us where the origins of their beliefs come from and why their commitment is so deep. Thank God she did not drown us in policy details ---that's his job. Her job is give to us information that gives us a holistic understanding of who these incredible people are.

BRAVO. BEAUTIFULLLY DONE.

[John Crandell]

I can see it now. All summer long, Limbaugh/Coulter will foam at the mouth about Stevie falling down.

THIS day will be remembered! This unique day.

[Marie]

Congratulations to Sen. Obama for another Kennedy endorsement. I did not see any new endorsement announcements for Sen. Clinton today on your web site. I believe the New York Daily News and the Denver Post has endorsed her today. L.A. Times, please be fair when announcing endorsements. Besides, not all of us vote for a particular candidate based on their endorsements.

I think that every American voting on Super Tuesday or anytime, needs to vote with their heads and hearts, especially with their heads and not follow the endorsement leaders. Remember, your daily life is not the same as the individual endorsing a particular candidate. This is your vote, not theirs!

[california lady]

wonderful, wonderful. ALL of those women were on their game today!!! what a joy to see!!

[Larry Dike]

I think American people are realizing that the politics of divide and conquer is dead. The clintons have been notorious of pitching black against latinos, men against women, white against black. This is a very bad politics of manipulation of people's emotions.

Obama is the best thing that could ever happen to this country since the death of JFK and Martin Luther King Jr. America needs Obama. We need more noble women like Maria Shriver.

If you still under hypnotic spell of Clintons, see the TRUTH and the truth will make you free. But if you still can't speak up to Clintons, then you will die that way. You may check yourself of stockholm syndrome

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in an abducted hostage, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger (or at least risk) in which the hostage has been placed. It so strange how people embrace their corrupter. This is the symptom I see in Clintons lovers

[Alan Deane]

Toni makes an interesting point... or, rather, she casts an interesting attitude, similar to the hostility I saw this week outside the Kodak Theater, where Hillary supporters were saying and doing some of the most amazingly hateful things. I couldn't believe it, but some of the young Obama supporters said "Oh, heck yeah, you should SEE some of the stuff they do, all the time!" I wonder what they are afraid of. I wonder what drives them. Me, I'm looking forward to Tuesday.

'08-ing change this year! Obama!

[Jesus Cabral]

This was just a preview of what we are going to see in the campaign ahead!!!!

Are you ready????

[Andrew]

Toni posted that Michele Obama was unkind to Stevie Wonder when he stumbled trying to get up onto the stage at UCLA. I was watching that too and to be sure it was a very awkward moment. I don't think that Michele Obama abandoned Stevie as Toni suggests. I believe there was another person, a man, helping Stevie that communicated with Michele to go ahead, he would help Stevie. So she did.....she probably had enough trouble getting herself going up there. Keep in mind that the Obama events are not totally scripted like Hillary's events and human stuff happens. We need to be forgiving Toni.

[fromstmonica]

Yes We Can and California loves Obama!

[Jane Becker]

What counts is not the resumes of the endorsers but of the candidates themselves: http://thedamedomain.blogspot.com/2008/02/please-submit-your-resume.html

[Barbara]

I have seen many a political rally in my life but this one just astonished and moved me to tears.
Winfrey compelety demolished the idea that a woman should vote for another woman without thinking.
Michelle was stunning in her analysis and honesty of what is wrong with this nation.
And Caroline Kennedy was moving as well.
When Maria Shriver came out I just screamed! I was watching it live on CSpan and just whooped and hollered. It was amazing. I had been wondering where Maria stood. There is no doubt now. Loved it when she compared Obama to California.

[Lori]

Yoo Rah Rah Maria!

Each day I become more and more inspired by the integrity and message the Obama movement has created. Its not every election that I am moved to tears of joy, and inspiration. This is THE moment..... Let's make it happen...

Vote Obama 08

[Dion Jackson]

I` really admire ALLof these women.
To stand up, against all odds.
To go with their gut feelings and get involved, is refreshing and courageous.

Much Love.

Dion the Trainer

[rich]

Way to go Maria...That took alot of courage to endorse Obama & I applaud her for that...

Barack Obama is the only candiate running who can TRULY unite & not further divide this country.....Hillary Clinton is a fine politician but is too divisive, this coutry deserately needs its 44th. POTUS to be Barack Obama

[Marie]

Marie if your vote isn't based on endorsements, it shouldn't matter that the two you say she received today aren't mentioned. No one votes purely on endorsements, though, as both candidates have said they are good to have. I have a suspicion that had the endorsements been going the other way you would not have had an issue.

[Lee]

For those of you who still question Barack's substance (and can't seem to use Google) I offer the fact that he taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago. That school is one of the wonkiest on the planet - no lightweight would ever make it there.

Time to face the fact that Obama isn't perfect, but has elements of everything we need to lead our country out of the darkness. We all need to step up and make it happen - not just in the election, but afterwards, too. We are in this mess because we have been asleep and let idiots take over.

[james]

Toni,
Were you somehow on the stage with Michelle and Stevie. I was in the front row, and it was clear she did everything to keep them both from falling off the platform. She then had to lead a keynote speech in front of thousands. I don't know how often you give big speeches - if you have ever you might understand if she was a little off after a fall.

Michelle was amazing and she will be an awesome first lady. These folks are the American dream that we were all promised existed. Come on Toni get on board and stand for real change. Bill had his 8 years now it is time to move on.

[Robyn]

BILL RICHARDSON ENDORSED HILLARY TODAY! I heard this on NPR over one hour ago. Where is the story, LA Times?

[Heheh]

I have the feeling that there is QUITE the interesting discussion going over SOMEONE's dinner table tonight.

"Honey, how was your day?"
"Well, um...you know how I said I might be late after riding class........?"

[Rhonda]

Wow I watched the c-spann coverage of the rally. I was so excited, so fired up, I am getting ready right now to drive from Oakland to San Jose where Michelle is going to be tonight . I hope our Bay Area rally will be just as exciting and suprising as the LA rally.

Go Obama, I am fired up

[Marlene]

To have Caroline Kennedy be inspired like we were with her father - what a day!

[Denise Duncan]

Watched Michelle Obama on CSpan. Truly nasty frightening speech. The welfare state will be resurrected if Obama wins. And the embrace of the English tanslation of si se puede as a rallying cry means we can expect a larger invasion of illegal aliens. We continue to pay the price since the Reagan amnesty of the 1980s.

So Maria Shriver lives in a house divided with Gov Arnold in the McCain camp. Thought it interesting she wasn't wearing a wedding ring at the Obama rally.

The desire for change et al is lovely but ultimately unrealistic unfortunately. Ye we can elect a President with a passion for change but as long as the Congress and Senate are made of ther same elected bunch and their ilk in future elections, and the entrenched bueracracy of the federal govt are in place, it'll remain rhetoric not reality.

By the way, who do you think Mary Jo Kopeckne would endorse?

[not-a-lemming]

It is so amazing that people fail to understand politics of politics. The UCLA rally was not a benign gathering to simply promote Obama's candidacy, it was a clear political attempt to dig into Clinton's primary base of support: women. The Kennedys, I think, have ANOTHER motive. They want to protect their family as the only dynasty of DEMOCRATS. They would have lined up with ANY Democrat to thwart Hillary Clinton. My guess is they probably won't even vote.

As for all of the nasty digs against Clinton on this site, obviously posters do not realize she is not the enemy. THE REPUBLICANS ARE THE ENEMY.
You can be enthusiastic about your candidate without casting aspersions. Both Clinton and Obama will pick up delegates in California. Neither will make a clean sweep of the state

[Lina]

Obama only supports those who can help him win votes. Our small Tibetan community, perhaps one of the most disenfranchised in the world asked his organization as well as Hillary Clinton's organizations to support our cause. We heard NOTHING from his camp, but got a response immediately from Hillary's.

As they say, actions speak louder than words.

Look who comes out to support Obama: Talking heads - celebrities who speak pretty words written by writers, just like Obama himself.

Bill Clinton's foundation brought medical aid for HIV suffers in Africa. Oprah sets up an elite school for "handpicked" girls. Who has helped more people?

GO HILLARY!

[m rogers]

Maria truly is an "independent" woman. Okay, you've finally got my vote, my daughter made me watch this and I'm now "a woman for Obama". I'll see if I can get my mother on board. Wow, I see how this movement got started. View the video. I love my daughter and am just realizing that she has excellent judgement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62_ajoKkuHA

[Nathan]

Lauren Eisebaum,

The push polls are not coming from the Clinton camp, fool. Just because the LAT says so doesn't make it true (i.e. THE PUSH POLL STORY IS A LIE!)

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/2/3/193310/5243

[Sylvia S-H]

What an awesome day! To see so many yound people alive with political passion, hope and excitement. Let's remember--we vote with our hearts and soul for the leader we believe in for the primary elections, then we must come together again as a family and work hard for whomever the Democratic candidate is. Enough of attacking one another.
Sylvia

[stewart]

there came a time when I was in Viet Nam that my mother called Ted Kennedy to tell him how upset she was that I was at war. He took the call and soothed the concerns ofa mother.
Were my mom alive today, she would give great weight to Kennedy's aligned with Barak Obama and that is enough foir me.
Ill sign on.

[MK]

Clinton is the more experienced candidate, but she's not electable. We can't afford to have Republicans in for another 4 years - I'm for Obama.

[Dan Kalb]

The Shriver endorsement should carry some weight with Edwards supporters. After all, it was Shriver's father, Sargent Shriver, who was the architect and point person of the 'Great Society' anti-poverty programs of the 1960's. Many of these programs, such as Head Start, are fortunately still with us today.

[Frank]

MARLENE: Did you actually listen to Michelle's speech? I mean actually listen to the message and not let your cynicism distort your cognition? The mere fact that you say "The desire for change et al is lovely but ultimately unrealistic unfortunately" tells me that you have lost all faith in our government's ability to govern.

I was like you just a couple short weeks ago, but Barack's message helped me to finally realize that things can get better if we try. To not try is simply cowardice and weak, which are two things that America has never stood for. The reality is that it will remain rhetoric until people have the courage to believe that something can be done to improve our government and our country.

Successful people throughout history have known a secret that most people never discover. To believe is to make real. The people who have come to know this is a fact can't even explain why it is themselves. Nevertheless it has been proven countless times that if an individual or a group have the courage and strength to truly believe in the depths of their mind that they can accomplish something doors began to open and progress is made in an almost supernatural way.

DENISE DUNCAN: Your message speaks to divisive and angry spirit that the Clinton family brings out in people. A statement as ignorant and unfounded as "THE REPUBLICANS ARE THE ENEMY" is the reason we have such a big problem in this country. We can never hope to make any real progress if people insist on splitting the country into Democrat, Republican, and Independent groups. We are all Americans and that is the most important thing to remember. Each party is responsible for many good and bad policies. To categorically say that one group is 100% superior to another or that one is 100% evil is small-minded and patently false.

There are millions of good, hard-working and honest people who consider themselves "Republicans." If we ever hope to change their minds we have to be patient and understanding. They have come to their own conclusions based on thousands of independent events in their lives. In fact, Hillary Clinton started out her life as a Republican. She served as the president of her college's Young Republicans organization. However, certain important events in her life led her to change her mind, including the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, and the death of Martin Luther King, Jr.

People from different backgrounds, parties, religions, genders, and ethnic backgrounds support Barack because he has the courage to believe that we can change Washington. However, it will not come through singular actions by an inspiring President. It will require a change in mindset for the American people. It must start with you.

[omgiamgoingnuts]

She looked STONED!I really think she was. She actually congratulated the "women on the stage, the spouses of the candidates, and THEN the kicker...the candidates. WHAT?????? I had to almost wonder WHY was she really there? This is just another KENNEDY. So what?
HILLARY will win this on TUESDAY.

[jerry rubin]

For those who do not know, it was Maria Shriver - California's first lady, who got her husband to hire one of the Kennedy's sons to give direction to Arnold on how to expand the environmental (sustainable energy) strategy for California.

[tim]

Thank you Maria! Just love and admire your independent thinking and judgement. Obama is a man who will take our country back to the days we were all proud to be Americans. He will restore our respectability and credibility throughout the world. Internally, we will be no longer red states or blue states. We will be truly the United States of America.

[omgiamgoingnuts]

Am I the only one that actually SAW that Maria Shriver was totally "out there" - she seemed like she was actually "on something" - you people are blind.

[suzie from atlanta, GA]

To the brilliant person who does not understand WHY Bill Clinton calls it the Kennedy/Bush Bill of Leave No Child Behind, KENNEDY WROTE THE DAM THING. TED KENNEDY WROTE IT. AND TED KENNEDY HAS LET IT REMAIN AS IT IS TODAY: UNFUNDED, ILL CONCEIVED, AND INEFFECTIVE. TED KENNEDY. THE BAFFOON, ALL 500 POUNDS OF HIM, WROTE THAT BILL.
Having seen both Hillary and Bill last week, surrounded by young Black voters, I can tell you that in fact, BOTH of them give very detailed specifics on Hillary's Platform, And BILL is sticking to HER platform. He was a great President, and we lived very well under his administration. Hillary will be her OWN President, she disagrees with Bill on many issues, and is her own WOMAN.
For instance, she was against FISA, but as First Lady she could not say that. She pointed out that his plan for the economy was not good enough, and came up with the one that got us back into a surplus, again, as First Lady. She had a lot of responsibility in Bill's WH. She wrote the program which is now called CHIPS. She wrote the Clinton Student Loan Program, which did not charge interest, but was tied to income. Do you think Michelle Obama is going to KNIT and visit day care centers if she is First Lady? She will also be active. Laura Bush is a throw back, today’s First Lady’s are smart, degreed and partners to their husbands. AS they should be.
Hillary begins her rally by saying that she is going to give us specifics on what she will do as president, because she wants to be held accountable. Is it as exciting as the Obama Pep Rally? Maybe not, but it is more intelligent, more thoughtful, and certainly more respectful of the voter's intellect. And you can hear a pin drop, because people are LISTENING. They cheer, they scream, they clap and wave the signs and chant, but they do it because they have been asked to hold her accountable for her words, her plans, and asks them to “hire” her, not “give her.”
Hillary is endorsed by almost all of the Congressional Black Caucus, Governors, Mayors, Senators, people who ACTUALLY work with her, and know her. These are people who may have marched with MLK, like John Lewis and Charlie Rangel, as well as younger members, who know who the Clintons are and where Hillary stands, and what she brings to the table. She was active in Poverty Programs from the age of 19, and also went to work for the Children's Defense Fund after law school. She has a 35 year history, a long and serious history of working for the people of this country, the littlest of us, the weakest of us, the immigrant, the older person, the women, all of us. THE UNITED FARM WORKERS HAVE ENDORCED HER. BOBBY KENNEDY JR, AND HIS SISTERS HAVE ENDORCED HER. CEASAR CHAVEZ’S GRAND SON HAS ENDORCED HER. I’m sorry, that means MORE than Caroline Kennedy, who writes books about her mother’s favorite poems and the Constitution, and has no real memory of her father.
Lets talk about Obama’s LATEST Dirty Lie: Insurance Plans.
Did any of you WATCH the debate? Do you REMEMBER the discussion about Health Care, or were you so busy hurling insults at the TV you missed what Hillary said?
HER plan makes insurance available to EVERYONE. What ever you can afford to pay, you pay, and what you can't afford, the Government pays, but ALL of us are COVERED, with out any FINES. Our wages are not taken against our will; the monthly PREMIUM is deducted from our CHECK like FICA.

Her Health Plan opens up the Congressional Health Care PLANS, over 200 of them, from every Insurance carrier, to all of us, if we WANT to BUY from them. Or, we can keep what we have. The RATE would be so much cheaper because the RISK would be spread out over millions of people. Some of those plans have no deductibles, they are gold standard plans. Do we NOT deserve the same health care as those who work for the Government? Are we not as good, or important, or deserving as our Senators? And who among those who SERVE US will dare to DENY us? Don’t you see how smart she is? She has put together a plan which covers all of us, with the SAME INSURANCE SHE HAS, putting Congress in a very big corner.

Back to the plan:

For THOSE who can not afford either the FULL premium, or can not afford to pay ANY of the monthly costs there will be a subsidy to cover the cost. In addition, the CHIPS program could be folded into this, because many of the families who can not afford the cost today could afford these plans, and those who could not, AGAIN, would have the gap between what they can afford and the cost covered by the Government in some form.

It will reduce the cost of Medicare because the population using that service will come into it healthier and Medicaid because ALL kids and low income families would be covered under this plan, either by subsidies or very low premiums. The mandate is for the Insurance carriers to COVER all of us, with no exclusions, AND for ALL of us to take advantage of the availability of health care, to make us a healthier country. Clinton is correct: WE must have affordable, universal health care in this country. It is a human right to be healthy, and to have our medical expenses covered. Being a diabetic or having heart disease should NEVER exclude anyone from receiving the care they need to LIVE.

In the Clinton Plan BUSINESES could buy for their employees, transferring that cost to the lower cost of the Congressional Plan. This is a winner, because it will lower HR costs for Business, lower the costs for self employed, and small business, and generally REMOVE the burden of Health Care from the Employers all together, making them better able to compete with foreign companies, and encourage American companies to come back home, because their HR costs will DROP.
The Obama campaign lies about this, says she “forces” people to pay. WELL, WHY SHOULDN'T WE PAY???? It's taken out of your pay check, like FICA, and IF you can NOT PAY, the Government will pay for you. HIS plan, leaving out 15 million people, also costs money, and by the way, if, as he said during the debate, if you are "gaming" the system, and get sick, and did not buy coverage, then YOU are fined, and have to pay back premiums for the full time the program has been in effect. Now THAT"S a FINE.
Obama has NO experience. The Illinois Senate meets a few times a year, and what he is most noted for is his push on behalf of Tony Rezko, for the taxpayers of that state, and HIS district, to award Rezko those contracts to develop those slums. Go look it up your self at the Chicago Sun Times, search Rezko/Obama, and prepare to be sick.
Hillary Clinton has done NOTHING to earn the hatred all of you have for her. She is hard working and honest, and save the Monica/ken star remarks for someone else. $20, 000,000.00 taxpayer dollars and all they ever found was a Blue Dress. WE lived better, we had jobs, the Budget was finally balanced, with a surplus, we were respected all over the world, the DOLLAR was worth something, we all had money in the bank, with the highest rate of home ownership for first time home buyers in history. WE had the fastest rate of growth in new jobs in history. This was a good administration, one you all supported.
All these dirty, yes DIRTY lies coming from the Obama campaign, and his darling CNN and MSNBC, calling Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton racists, cutting the actual statements made by Bill about the MEDIA COVERAGE of Obama to leave that part out, using the last two words "fairy tale”, or cutting out the part in Hillary’s speech about MLK< JFK< and YES, LBJ, all of them being necessary to pass and sign into LAW civil rights laws. And you fall for that? What, did you suddenly realize that the CLINTON’S have been closet KKK members all along? What is with all of you? Are you all serious? It is considered racist to debate him, to question him, to even use his full name or CALL HIM BLACK. Well, he is Black, so what? He must be because OPRAH says so, tight?
And that brings me to IRAQ. Yes, Obama made a speech, ONE speech on Iraq before he was in the US Senate, and spoke against a decision he did not make, arm chair quarterbacking. So did I, so can I be President? How about Michael Moore? Can he? OH, wait! Moore actually did something about it……..
SINCE COMING TO THE SENATE, OBAMA HAS VOTED FOR EVERY IRAQ FUNDING BILL, EXCEPT FOR ONE HE MISSED, VOTED FOR BUSH BACKED BILLS 53% OF THE TIME, AND HAS NEVER MADE A SINGLE SPEECH AGAINST THE WAR, NOT ONE. So tell me about his anti war record again? It's a LIE. Talk is cheap, ACTIONS speak louder than words, and Obama is MIA on the WAR.
He has not written one piece of legislation, and I do not count co-signing other's bills, as he was forced by Hillary to do during the debate, FORCED, with his angry face, head down.
He feels this is HIS time, he is Entitled to be president.
HE IS ENTITLED TO RUN.
HE IS NOT ENTITLED TO be ELECTED.
Obama had to bring in Oprah to answer Jesse Jackson's question of "is he Black enough?", because he was MIA on New Orleans, MIA on the Jena 6, and unknown to the Black community. His plan, to separate the Black voters from the Clintons has worked, to the detriment of this country. Bill got the blame, but Obama issued those 4 pages of lies and invented quotes, BEFORE MLK Day. Bill fell for it, and responded to those lies, and the MEDIA, who hates to be called on it's tricks, went after him, ignoring Edwards, Biden, Dodd, all of the others, so they could keep this hot story line alive. And based on that, you nominate a person to be President?
If some of you would READ, RESEARCH, and THINK you might understand why a lot of us see Obama as another GW BUSH. Obama is not what he appears to be, and as soon as the press gets over it's infatuation with his color, and looks at his whole career, the better off we will be.

[tim]

Thank you Maria! Just love and admire your independent thinking and judgement. Obama is a man who will take our country back to the days we were all proud to be Americans. He will restore our respectability and credibility throughout the world. Internally, we will be no longer red states or blue states. We will be truly the United States of America.

[susan]

Marian Shriver endorsing Obama for being "a dreamer," the usual fluff and nonsense people use about him because he has no substance or experience, just shows how shallow and easily led by their feelings Americans have become.

It's like the LA Times endorsing Obama because he's like a "poem" while Hillary is "a well-reasond essay." Well, I'd sure prefer reason and logic and experience to a bunch of poetic-sounding nonsense. How pretentious for the JFK Kennedy side of the clan to compare Obama to JFK, and for him to encourage the comparison. Obama talks about the bravery of those leading the women's suffrage movement and emancipation of the slaves, even liberating people from fascism in Europe, in his speeches, as though he were there himself. He wasn't even around for the Civil Rights Movement, like Bill and Hillary were -- Obama is a cheap opportunist, and all those with years of jealousies and resentments against the Clintons are buying into this sickening self-promotion.

Because Obama has done nothing of substance, he takes credit for being in a line of succession to all these major liberation movements, and people praise his "poetic" jibberish and "dreaming." Dreaming about himself as JFK.

I'm offended by Oprah telling women that as "free people," we are allowed to "think for ourselves." Gee, thanks Oprah -- I don't need you to tell me that. Maybe you shouldn't assume that women need to be told how to think, any more than blacks or whites should be. It's offensive to assume we'll think based on gender and race -- and Maria making an issue of Obama's mixed race as being "like California," is racist, too; a white woman or man is just as much California (or not), and California is like America, not a foreign country.

NOT ONE THING of substance, just insulting and presumptious, unfounded self-comparisons to JFK etc. So sad that this passes for voting based on the issues in America these days.

[sjl]

Just shows the Kennedys don't care about the country just their image. Obama uses rightwing tactics to smear Universal Health care plan.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/irwin-redlener-md/obama-hires-harry-and-lo_b_84716.html

Obama in corporate pockets

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1202051345-WrQtClLACVYBKLqCr5L94Q

Thank god there is a large latino population in California.

[On And On]

Clinton is the more experienced candidate, but she's not electable. We can't afford to have Republicans in for another 4 years - I'm for Obama.
---------------------------
Obama is not electable.

As progressive as states like California and New York are (and thank God for them), they don't represent the rest of the states in the country. And most of those states aren't ready for an African American president, no matter how qualified he is. Optimists don't divorce reality.

The Obama fever is on now, but it will be LONG gone by November. If Obama gets the Democratic nomination, there WILL be another Republican in office.

[Mark]

I like Bill and Hillary, and thought Bill did a fine job as President, despite his weakness for the ladies and indiscretion. I admired Hillary for standing with him, you know that was tough.

I'm sure Hillary would be a capable President. Unfortunately for her, the country longs to put the past where it properly belongs, behind us. We're hungry for real change and a new generation of inspired leadership. We dream of a truly UNITED States of America.

I believe Obama is that leader.

Please vote OBAMA Tuesday California!

[Christopher W]

That is so cool !!!
Arnold seems like a good Governator - especially his environmental stands. And I think it is fun that he and his wife have a bipartisan marriage.
If Republican and Democrat can be married, I am sure they can cooperate for the good of the country; if they try!

However, I like Obama a lot!
I hope that the young people go out and vote for him, rather than a 72 year old President (read McCain 2009) or a Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton dynasty.
Personally, I have a hard time with the republicans who fight over who wants to stay in Iraq the longest, and with their President who repeatedly vetoes health care for children - what is democratic about a veto? AND, would Christ really claim that the sick children’s parents were not poor enough?
Come on!

America can do better! Yes, we can! YES, WE CAN!

[beth]

"If Barack Obama was a state he'd be California," Shriver said, drawing roars from the crowd. "I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, oppose tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader."

:) Well said Maria!

[Barbara]

Lina, what is the name of your small Tibetian group?

[Australia for Obama]

Hillary, McCain, Romney all good people who are doing their best, and want the best for the USA.

Obama is the same, but also electrifies. Look at the unprecendented actions; 32 million raised in January alone, 700,000 donors, 30,000 people at a single rally, celebrities galore, Obama is regularly drawing crowds of 10,000+ while other candidates do not even reach half that.

For those who say he does not address the issues....go to his site where there are detailed plans laid out for amost every issue you can imagine.

Also, speaking as a 'world citizen', Obama is getting huge coverage worldwide. Germany, France, Japan, England etc... The Iraq war and many other actions have been controversial on a world stage for the USA. Obama seems to inspire and is becoming immensely popular worldwide.

Obama 08 from the land Down Under!!!

[MOMO]

MY GOD, PEOPLE. WE ARE NOT ELECTING A ROCK STAR . GET A GRIP. YOU TALK OF THE CLINTONS DOING DIRTY TRICKS.DON'T YOU REALIZE YOU ARE BEING MANIPULATED BY REPUBLICANS WHO ARE PART OF A GROUP OF 547S...GROUPS WHO DELIBERATELY PUT OUT FALSE INFO ON A CANDIDATE TO RILE UP THEIR OPPONENTS. DOES ANYONE WATCH BILL MOYERS JOURNAL ? THERE WAS AN ENTIRE PROGRAM ON THIS THE OTHER DAY. HILLARY IS NO RACIST. SHE HAS ALWAYS SUPPORTED CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUES, WOMEN & CHILDREN'S ISSUES, VETERAN'S ISSUES, & SHE WAS THE 1ST ONE TO EVEN BRING UP THE ISSUE OF UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. THINK FOR YOURSELVES. DON'T LET CELEBRATIES DECIDE FOR YOU.

[NanD]

I think there are some of you here who really need to do some more reading. Apparently, you have not kept up on the issues and have missed some very major points.

Vote Honor & Integrity - Obama '08!

[Bill]

Beautiful speeches matter. Truth IS beauty. Obama's power is deep, not shallow. Obama moves souls. He touches the well-springs of our nation. He is rooted in the constitution of our country. Read his book "Dreams from My Father" to learn how he resolved the conflicts of being a black man in U.S. society and established his identity. There's nothing shallow about the unity of our country, or about the sacrifices needed to maintain it. Obama's words are memorable, like Lincoln's. Was Lincoln "shallow?" Obama is brilliant. Trust what moves your heart and you'll vote for Obama.

[Jenn]

Not too be too hard on 'Toni', but I was also at the rally (a day I will likely remember for the rest of my life) and I thought Michelle and Steve handled the "incident" impeccably.

When I first saw those stairs on the narrow walkway to the podium- I thought they looked initimidating for anyone to walk up gracefully in front of thousands of screaming supporters.

As for Michelle's speech- it validated everything Barack has said about his wife- America would be extremely fortunate to have these two people at the helm of our country. Not to mention- to have the kind of enthusiasm that was felt in the Pavilion today. For those of you that witnessed alongside me, I may not know you, but I am proud that we were able to share such a momentous event together and feel the palpable 'HOPE' in the air.

Hearing Oprah, Stevie, Caroline and Maria speak as they did today is something I will treasure always.

Yes We Can!

[Bill]

I'm an old man, was 19 when JFK was elected, remember feeling lifted up and proud of my country to have such a man as our president. Obama makes me feel that way again. Leaders like Obama and Kennedy who put our nation's ideals into memorable words unify us in a positive way. That's what the best leaders do.

Hillary uses fear. Her campain theme is "You better vote for me or else the big bad Republicans will get you. You better not hope! I know what's best for you. I know what's possible!" Hillary's crying episode was part of her fear message. She was crying for us because only her brave efforts could save us. Without her calling the shots our country would go down the drain!

[Lylem]

I get upset when people talk about experience. It is the people underneath the president that run the country. Barack is going to bring the best people from both sides of the isles. I have heard rumors of the likes of Colin Powell joining his cabinet. If he could get the best available from both parties, wouldn't the country be a lot better?

[Kathy]

I was there today, and every person who spoke was eloquent and passionate. I took some videos, and am posting them on YouTube. You can see the Maria Shriver one at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hlnh4Z_qsY

[Marks]

BELIEVE IN THE UNDERDOG! Believe the struggle to come from behind and the effort being accomplished is tough, a struggle emotionally, there are step backs, some failure, then an incredibly win occurs!

Let's begin, Tiger Woods! Yes, the potentially best golfer to ever play, done it before, but never can it be always expected! 5 shots behind with 9 holes to go, wins by 1 in Dubai.

Had to wait while other European golfers failed to best his effort! None did! He made spectacular golf shots, wasn't easy for him!

The New York Giants against the New England Patriots trying to cap an undefeated NFL season!

Perfection on the line, first time to 19-0. No evidence, Patriots should lose. Best Quarterback Tom Brady, most touchdowns in a season. Randy Moss wide receiver, most touchdowns caught. Defense full of Hall of Famer's playing. Some with previous Super Bowl experience, many on the team have 3 Championship rings.

Grit more than anything else and belief, Eli Manning, Quarterback of the Giants, made incredible passing plays on a final touchdown drive, late in the game. Giant's receiver's tough catches! Giants defense played professionally, earned every dollar they make!

Pollsters lost again! The 14 point underdog Giants in a glorious, most competitive close Super Bowl win!

Now I'm reading this gathering of political women supporting Obama at UCLA. The underdog politician in California with major newspaper endorsements up and down the Pacific Coast, in California, Oregon and state of Washington.

Plenty of Kennedy's support, that special family is a base of the Democratic party.

Supposedly Clinton had a large lead over Obama, but polling is flawed these days!

Weekend of underdogs achieving, because they deserve it!

None are reaching for wins without trying hard to prove their merit!

A great weekend of winning because of the effort! Some will always remember today!

Earn a chance, then see what happens!

Obama has received his chance with many California endorsements!

[225am]

I think Clinton supporters underestimate how much Republicans truly hate her. She will not be able to sway the necessary Independent, moderate, and even Republican voters in November. Why? Because people either love her or hate her. And frankly, conservatives generally hate her. Obama is a fresh face--fresh enough to unite. If Hilary actually wins the general election, nothing will ever get done. Republicans in the House and Senate will do whatever they can to strike down anything she proposes.

If you want a Democrat in the oval office, you have to elect Obama. If you want change in this country--change that is desperately needed--you have to elect Obama.

[t]

Obama and everyone supporting AND voting for him are seperate from the closed minded people who are finding the lackluster excuses to oppose him.
The biggest shame is voting for a woman just for the "novelty" of having a
women as president. It would have been a true test of the strength and power of a woman if she didn't come prestamped with the clinton name and the people who feel an allegience to HIM. Billy has pimped her out for his quest at a third term. She pulled the sympathy votes from women with fake tears, she dropped her show of holding her own by dropping the Rodham, she
as echoed everything Obama says, billy represents them both; HE will be running the White House, again. She is an enabler to billy's sins. She stood up for him even though she she knew he lied to the American people (she said
Starr was just after him!). Now, she brings that nasty filthy adulterous, cheating, perjuror, impeached, disbarred, disgraced, charged with rape ( but paid off ) shame back into the public arena to act as president using her as a front. He is a criminal all day long. He was a sitting president and he disgraced the office ( literally! ) They are tricksters. They will break any and all rules to win at this political game. She signed sworn pledges not to run in Florida, yet she goes there rallies and celebrates that faux win. She wants Michigan and Florida to count, now; only because they will benefit her. She caused strife in Nevada by filing a lawsuit. How spineless, throwing a tantrum and asking the government to interfere with a voting process. Whinning and wearing pantsuits doesn't show the power of her womanhood.
She brings baggage. She is despised. She is same old same old. She is just not "the" woman for the job. It is time for a difference. A real strong
I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T Woman will run one day justifying the power of a woman. One without the influence of a two terms president/husband. The 22
years with the Bushes and Clintons are enough! Write a new chapter. Those great and powerful women at the rally showed strength. Maria, especially!
As Stevie Wonder said: he backed the clintons, nowit's time for a change. If Hillary didn't have the Clinton name, she would be just a fluke. Obama's youth and freshness puts him closer to the strongest issues facing everyone.
As for his voting present: just 100 out of 4,000 votes! He didn't vote for the war because he had the foresight to see that it was wrong and not the first resort. He will be excellent for Global relations. Hillary will not get the kind of
respect necessary to relate with other world leaders. Obama is a total package. He and his wife, his friend and biggest cheerleader are in this together! They will be a power couple for the Country. He will lead and she will be right by his side. She showed her brilliance and care for her country.
OBAMA, NOW !

[Marques Keith]

Why Is Obama Getting A Free Pass?

What do you think the national media would do if there was a presidential candidate who attended a church that describes itself as "unashamedly White" with a "non-negotiable commitment to Europe". The church goes on to say it has a White worship service and ministries that address the White community. The magazine of the church also gave an award to the leader of a White separatist organization because of his influence in the White community. If the above scenario was true, the media would be all over this story until it had run its course.

Well, it is true and the candidate is Senator Barack Obama. He is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ located in Chicago, Illinois. The church says it is "unashamedly Black" and it has a "Black worship service and ministries which address the Black community".

The church's magazine, Trumpet News Magazine, also gave its Lifetime Achievement Award to the Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the controversial Nation of Islam. The church gave him the award because he "truly epitomized greatness".

Please note the following:

1) I do not have a problem with Obama being a member of Trinity United Church of Christ. He has the freedom to worship where ever he feels comfortable and there is nothing wrong with that

2) Trinity United Church of Christ has every right to establish and believe in their tenets of belief and worship. It is not against the law to have a "unashamedly Black congregation" just as it is okay to have a "unashamedly White congregation". I believe it's tacky and wrong, but it is not against the law.

3) The church has every right to give their award to Farrakhan if that is what they want to do. I respect their right to choose their honorees, but I do not have to agree with their selections.

What I have a problem with is the national media coverage of this issue. If Obama was White, this issue would have been a front page story. Obama would have been forced to disassociate himself with his church and make a public denouncement of Farrakhan and his beliefs. Obama would have had to do more than issue a press release addressing the issue. It seems that the majority of the mainstream press does not want to press Obama on certain subjects because they do not want to be seen as racist.

It is not racist to ask Obama tough questions on racial issues or ideology. I don't care what some civil rights activists would have you believe. What is wrong with asking him questions regarding where he attends church? Republican candidate Mitt Romney is almost questioned daily regarding his being a Mormon. For example, I would like to know why his church is asking its members to boycott Wal-Mart and Sam's Club? I would like to know the answer to that question? Maybe there is a reason I should not shop at those stores.

I just want to see unbiased press coverage of the candidates. Every day, I read about Senator Hillary Clinton's negative issues, which are well documented. However, I want to know about Obama's problems also. I will say this much - Obama and his campaign staff are running a smooth campaign. They have done a good job controlling when he is the "Black candidate" and the "American candidate". Obama does not want a debate about race during the primary campaign because he does not want to scare off some of his racially sensitive White supporters. However, it's okay if he brings up the subject of race to recruit the Black vote, but no one else can do it. These are the "Obama Rules".

[Patrick Adams]

If only Chelsea Clinton would join the Obama camp.

[Emma Hawthorne]

Experts have already determined that Obama's health plan will still leave 20M Americans out in the cold. First and foremost, Americans need to catch up to all other G8 countries by providing Americans with universal healthcare and access to post-secondary education. Only Hilliary Clinton can actually deliver both, plus an intelligent seasoned foreign policy - something the US and the rest of the world needs to US to have. Sen. Obamma should serve as VP for 8 yrs. and then run for president. Hillary is the wise and obvious choice for president now.

[Lea Crozier]

Hilliary has lots of Kennedys too, but more importantly she will provide universal heathcare to finally bring the U.S. on par with other industrialized nations. Fellow Americans, ask not what you can do for your country. Ask now finally that your country provide you with universal medicare and access to post-secondary education for all. That means the end of job-lock, ilnness-based bankruptcy, and more importantly that for the first time all Americans would know that they will be cared for and that their children will have an equal chance to reach their potential. This choice is far too important to be left to anyone except the candidate who can deliver - Hillary Clinton. Obama's plan leaves 20M Americans out. By failing to address the core issue of medicare, Obama will also be holding back true economic equality and leaving millions of Americans to suffer in misery, his best intentions notwithstanding. Look what happened in New Orleans and Iraq with the wrong people in charge. The president's job is far too important to turn into pop contest. Besides, when the hoopla is over, Hillary is the one who has actually gone to bat for Americans, fought for children, written on their behalf and displayed a true heart of gold.

[Wschmidt]

Who embodies Change? In my opinion, the issue of utmost importance in this election is restoring citizens' access to their own government, by halting the interference of business in democracy. On a scale of one to five @ symbols (five being the best), I rated the remaining presidential candidates on their aptitude or likelihood of reforming government. Explore their platforms, statements and fundraising practices for yourself to see if you agree. This may or may not be your top issue, but if you are still searching for ways Obama may differ from Clinton in terms of policy, it's enlightening to look at them through this lens of government reform.

Strong platform addressing ETHICS REFORM

Obama @@@@@ | Clinton @@@

McCain @@@@@ | Romney ZERO | Huckabee @@

Strong platform addressing LOBBYING REFORM

Obama @@@@@ | Clinton @@

McCain @@@@ | Romney ZERO | Huckabee ZERO

Strong platform addressing CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Obama @@@ | Clinton ZERO

McCain @@@@@ | Romney ZERO | Huckabee ZERO

INDEPENDENCE from corporate influence/responsiveness

Obama @@@@@ | Clinton @

McCain @@@@ | Romney @ | Huckabee @@@@@

RECOGNITION of what the problem is

Obama @@@@ | Clinton @@

McCain @@@ | Romney ZERO | Huckabee ZERO

Recognition that solutions must be STRUCTURAL, not cosmetic or personnel oriented

Obama @@@@@ | Clinton @

McCain @@@@ | Romney @@@ | Huckabee @@@

AWARENESS that the situation evolved and no one person or party is the sole villain

Obama @@@@ | Clinton @

McCain @@@ | Romney N/A | Huckabee N/A

Willingness to INVOLVE ALL OF US in the solution, instead of simply blaming and punishing certain villains and calling it a solution

Obama @@@@@ | Clinton @

McCain @@ | Romney @ | Huckabee @@

OVERALL

Obama 36@ | Clinton 11@

McCain 30@ | Romney 5@ | Huckabee 12@

Yes, I'm surprised myself by how well a Republican did, even though I had a feeling McCain would beat Clinton. For his all-around sense of the problem and how to go about solving it, however, I believe Obama wins overall.

[Wendy]

Robyn,
Bill Richardson did not endorse Hillary. He has not endorsed anyone. He merely watched the Super Bowl with his friend Bill Clinton. He said very plainly on our local news here in New Mexico that he had not made up his mind whether he would endorse anyone or not. Not sure what you were listening to on NPR but if they reported that he endorsed Clinton it was not accurate.